Who really needs a cocktail robot?

Bartesian's cocktail makers operate much like a Keurig or Nespresso machine, but specifically for alcoholic beverages. The Bartesian Duet model that was tested is quite user-friendly, producing a variety of cocktails with just a button press and your own liquor. However, the question remains: who is actually going to purchase a $300 cocktail robot? Upon sipping on a raspberry ginger gimlet, the need for such a product becomes increasingly questionable.

The product is well-designed, requiring you to add your preferred spirits (between one to four types) and a Bartesian capsule containing hyper-concentrated mixes for multi-ingredient drinks. Using a barcode, the machine determines the required spirits and allows you to select the desired strength, which adjusts the amount of water used for dilution. The drink is then mixed in a cocktail shaker with ice before serving in a glass.

While the novelty is fun, the target audience remains debatable. The product is not suitable for true cocktail connoisseurs, as the capsules lack alcohol and merely replicate certain ingredients. My friends and I found the lemon drop capsule to be the most enjoyable, since we added our own vodka. However, the machine is not ideal for those concerned about kitchen space, as it is relatively large. Additionally, if you already have a spacious kitchen, you might already possess a fully stocked bar.

The high price adds to the skepticism, especially for those who already have a penchant for cocktails and can afford a bar setup. The drinks produced by the Bartesian often tasted artificial, leading to the addition of seltzer and lemon juice to improve the taste. This compromise undermines the purpose of the machine. One might question the reaction of colleagues at a law firm who would likely frown upon aviations lacking real crème de violette.

As someone who considers Tito’s to be top-shelf liquor, even I could detect an artificial taste in most Bartesian drinks. The machine may appeal to hosts who throw frequent parties without hiring a bartender, as it can efficiently produce a range of cocktails. It could also be suitable for an older couple in a beach house to impress guests or in a retirement home.

However, considering its unconventional nature, I remain uncertain about the product's intended audience. The Bartesian could potentially fit into a co-working space's happy hour, providing free drinks to employees, but WeWork ceased offering unlimited beer for a reason.